MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE 14 March 2023
- $368 Billion for 13 nuclear subs at the expense of urgent climate mitigation, housing, hospitals, education
- There is no military threat to Australia to warrant such immense military spending
- Many more jobs would be created by developing sovereign and sustainable manufacturing industries; constructing public & affordable housing and addressing climate mitigation
- This expenditure is destined to be the greatest waste of tax-payers money in Australia’s history
“Today’s announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of the acquisition of 13 nuclear propelled submarines over a 30-year period at the cost of $368 billion will no doubt blow-out to billions more dollars and is destined to be the greatest waste of tax-payers money in Australia’s history, despite there being no military threat to Australia”, said IPAN spokesperson, Dr Alison Broinowski.
“Meanwhile, the urgent social needs of Australians will be left unaddressed. We need more public and affordable housing now and $20 billion is needed to bring our hospitals up to scratch. Classes at schools are being cancelled because of a lack of teachers”, stated Dr Bronowski.
“This reckless venture in misusing vital tax payers’ money must be cancelled immediately.
“The associated $8 billion to upgrade a nuclear submarine port at HMAS Stirling in WA and $10 billion to establish a nuclear submarine port on the east coast (probably Port Kembla), establishing port facilities for USA and UK nuclear submarines which carry nuclear missiles, must also be cancelled. This money is sorely needed elsewhere.
“The Prime Minister has claimed the building of nuclear submarines will create 20,000 jobs over the next three decades. Many more jobs, however, would be created by developing sovereign and sustainable manufacturing industries; medical and pharmaceutical industries; ship building; construction of public and affordable housing, and alternative energy sources, creating secure, long-term jobs and better wages and conditions.
“In addition, the shortages of medicines (such as antibiotics) and medical equipment (such as radiology dyes) due to almost complete reliance on imports is a major issue for the public, including medical and health practitioners.
“The nuclear submarines to be acquired are destined for hunter-killer operations in distant waters such as the Taiwan strait and not for the defence of Australia in our shallow approach waters. These naval acquisitions are for supporting the strategy of the USA and its AUKUS partners to contain and confront China militarily and risk starting World War III
“If such a war broke out, nuclear submarine ports as well as other US military facilities in Australia (Pine Gap, North West Cape, RAAF Base at Tindal (with US B52 Bombers operating from there)), all become military targets for enemies of the United States,” Dr Broinowski said.
IPAN calls on the Australian Government to cease preparing for war and instead invest in diplomacy seeking peaceful and mutually beneficial relations with all countries including the USA and China. Peace is required in order to address our own internal urgent social needs.
Media Interviews: Alison Broinowski 0422 608 580; Media Liaison: Mark Jeanes 0414 995 895
Bio: Dr Alison Broinowki: Formerly an Australian diplomat, Alison is the author or editor of 14 books about Australia’s dealings with the world, Asian countries in particular. Alison is a visiting Fellow, Coral Bell School, ANU; Vice President, Australians for War Powers Reform.